Biting -- what I do

[Tishrei]

Typically Ducky doesn't really bite me but for some reason, when he's on the hamper flapping his wings and I start to leave, he wants to come with me. So I stick out my finger and he does a bite (though not hard, but it's a bite) then steps up. I then stick him back on top of the hamper and start to walk away -- then turn back around if he squawks and put my finger back out. He steps up without a bite.

It seems to hurt his feelings if I place him whever he was at when he bit me and walk away. He doesn't like me to walk away from him. Come to think of it, it's only when he's on the hamper that he bites me. It really isn't a hard bite and doesn't hurt (and he could hurt me if he wanted as he's a severe macaw and I've felt his hard bites in the past).

I haven't figured out what he's trying to say to me when he does those little annoying bites -- any insight would be great.

In any event, this is what works for me -- don't know if it would be helpful to anyone else.

[bekfreak]

Birds beaks are also a third hand in helping grip onto things this includes stepping up.

[Tishrei]

Originally Posted by bekfreak

Birds beaks are also a third hand in helping grip onto things this includes stepping up.

Oh, that I know -- this isn't a stepping up grip but a bite. It's not that big if a deal for me since I set him back down when he does that. He behaves himself after that set down. I was more curious as to the insight and also in the event it may work for others.

[bekfreak]

Okay, Bella does that too. I'll leave her and come back then she steps up fine. I want to see what others say there too. :)

[ROYJOY]

you've had ducky along time. is this something new?

[Tishrei]

Originally Posted by ROYJOY

you've had ducky along time. is this something new?

No, not something new ... LOL ... only thing new is I have birdy people I can ask questions of -- and that's you guys!

[ROYJOY]

then i agree with others, that hes just getting a grip, but if you dont waver from making him try again. he will eventually do it the way you want it done.

[Tishrei]

Originally Posted by ROYJOY

then i agree with others, that hes just getting a grip, but if you dont waver from making him try again. he will eventually do it the way you want it done.

LOL ... it's not important -- I was more curious. This is not a getting a grip for I know what that is which he does it all the time. In this case, it's a bite but not a hard bite but a bite nonetheless.

[saucie]

Maybe he's trying to train you not to walk away from him at the same time as you're trying to train him not to bite you when he steps up after you've walked away from him.